Art 2 Wear has the growing reputation to push the fashion envelope and Saturday April 18 student designers will go the extra mile to publicize the upcoming event.
Students will parade outfits featured in previous Art 2 Wear shows, the student premier fashion, from Sadlack’s bar to East Village restaurant. Down the mile-long stretch on Hillsborough Street, the designers will march in high heels.
“We’re looking for more exposure for them,” Ashley Merrill, a senior in parks, recreation and tourism, said. “Art 2 Wear is creative, different and innovative. It’s looking into the future.’
Since Jan., the selected designers have been developing their clothing line for the April 24 show, hosted by the College of Textiles and the College of Design.
Larisa Baransky , a senior in textile technology, said she’s been working nonstop since she planned to enter the competition before the Jan. 20 jury date, and sees this event as a way to raise the show’s awareness.
“Art 2 Wear is growing, but it’s fun to get people excited about the show,” Baransky said. “They are trying to make a big costume show to get ridiculous and walk down Hillsborough with some ridiculous crazy dresses.”
Baransky said she’s not deterred from walking the mile in heels and said it’s a challenge that needs mutual support.
“We even have Jason Cooper, [senior in communication] who’s character was a transvestite in the Arts N.C. State’s RENT, come to the event and walk in heels,” Baransky said. “We even tried to convince Dean Malecha [dean of the College of Design] to do it. He said he’d get back to us.”
Though the walk won’t spoil any surprises for the upcoming show, Baransky said current and previous Art 2 Wear designers will share some examples of their older works and their inspiration. The jury selected a diverse group, with some aesthetic inspirations ranging from the natural world imagery to emotional turmoil. Baransky calls her style “glamour gore.”
“It’s got lots of blood inspiration and anger and vulnerability,” Baransky said. “All the things from the breakup of my last relationship. The line’s called Lovesick. But it’s been great designing it and I’ve learned a lot.”
With the rush of school and the impending pressure of the show, Baransky said the Saturday march will be a fun way to get people excited about the show and to revamp her energy.
Jeff Murison , executive director of the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation, said the event will strengthen University and community dynamics.
“We’re excited to see Art 2 Wear come out because they have a great thing going on,” Murison said. “We want to support them and celebrate their work, and bring people out and get excited.”
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Meet up: 1 p.m. at Sadlack’s
March: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ending at East Village